Competitive Area for Nominations?

[academyquestions]

Hi, I want to apply to the Air Force Academy, and I'm wondering if my area is very competitive for nominations. I'm from Florida, specifically the Miami area. I think that it's probably quite competitive, because of the large population and the amount of Air Forces bases in the state and nearby (Homestead ARB), but I'd like to hear from someone who got a nomination or know someone who got a nomination in Miami. Thank you!

 

[A1Janitor]

All it takes is to have one outstanding candidate in any district to be competitive.

 

[OldRetSWO]

I think that it's probably quite competitive, because of the large population and the amount of Air Forces bases in the state and nearby (Homestead ARB), but I'd like to hear from someone who got a nomination or know someone who got a nomination in Miami. Thank you!

When you talk about the large population are you aware that all Congressional Districts have a somewhat similar number of people? By the way, Homestead was closed in the 90's and now just has a relatively small Reserve mission/population so its not likely to be a gamechanger for you competition-wise. The Miami area has a number of Congressional Districts and they can all be very different in terms of competition for the service academies.

 

[MidCakePa]

It’s simply not worth it to worry about whether your district is competitive, because there’s nothing you can do about that. It shouldn’t affect your motivation to serve and it shouldn’t affect your application credentials.

Districts with a heavy military and/or government presence tend to produce a disproportionate number of cadets/mids. Think Northern Virginia, Texas, North Carolina, San Diego County. But as mentioned above, it takes only one candidate with credentials better than yours to make your district competitive.

 

[AcadAdmCoach]

I agree with all of the prior comments. You can't win an appointment without applying. Go through the process and consider applying to some of the other service academies. Also, apply to an AFROTC and other ROTC scholarships, as a 'Plan B.' You should note that 25 - 30% of AFA cadets do not arrive at USAFA directly from high school. As a Plan C, attend college as a freshman, join the AFROTC unit on campus and reapply to USAFA again. All of my students that have used a 'Plan C,' received an appointment the following year. Good luck with your pursuit of an appointment!

 

[academyquestions]

Thank you all very much for the advice, I'll be sure to keep it in mind!

 

[Jetbill]

Sent PM

 

[raimius]

Since you have just about zero influence on how many competitive students apply, don't worry about. Put your best application in. That's what you have control over.

 

[FH76]

DS is supposedly from one of the most if not the most competitive districts in our state. Did he have the best grades, top of his class, varsity sports, class president, stellar SAT / ACT score? None of these !!

Going into the process we always knew it would be tough and he would face stiff competition, we would leave the decision to God. Fortunately, the Nomination review board saw something in him and so did USAFA. As @raimius and others have noted, focus on you.... oh and also DONT FAIL THE CFA!